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Retail Mecca
Lovely memories

Queensway. Not the most aspirational of shopping haunts.

There's good old Whiteleys, of course, the destination hotspot for out-of-towners seeking that multiplex vibe and lone Middle Eastern men seeking beauties to make sexy with. Then there's the unusual Queensway Market, harbinger of Russian dried foods, dodgy computers and a Psychic Alley (yes, really).

And then there are what we of the locale unaffectionately dub Union Jack shops. You know - miniature double decker buses; 'My Other Car's a Roller' stickers and fake LVMH luggage (how the demand can possibly justify the supply is a question that I'll take to my grave).

Imagine my surprise at passing our old Boots to see that it had been transformed into yet another UJ shop, albeit one with a difference. Lining one side were the most exquisite, up-to-the-minute tailored handmade dresses and separates, of the ilk that has never been seen before on Queensway.

I questioned the sales girl further - "I know," she sighed, rolling her eyes, "they're by Central St Martins graduates so they're a bit expensive". The sales tickets read between £25 and £40 per piece. "Honey," I said, "you buy this shit in Dispensary for six times the price."

It would appear that the residents' pain is the consumer's gain.

Former Boots store, 75 Queensway, W2.
Turn right out of Bayswater station and it's next door.

by VG
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